Elsevier

Experimental Neurology

Volume 34, Issue 2, February 1972, Pages 316-322
Experimental Neurology

Specialized organizational patterns within the nucleus reticularis thalami of the cat

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Abstract

Structural analysis of the nucleus reticularis thalami in the adult cat, using variations of the rapid Golgi method, reveals significant differences between anterior pole and dorsolateral portions of the nucleus. The former is characterized by a dense presynaptic neuropil plexus and long, pleomorphic appendages on most of the dendrites. The latter is notable for its smooth-surfaced dendrites, a large proportion of which are arranged in tightly packed bundles, reminiscent of similar structural complexes previously noted in the spinal ventral horn. These structural differences underline the heterogenic nature of the nucleus reticularis and suggest the possibility of more than one functional role for this nuclear complex. We suggest that the dendrite bundles may represent a structural motif causally related to the burst type discharges characteristic of reticularis neurons.

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This investigation was supported by grants NB 1063 and HD 00972 from the National Institutes of Neurological Diseases and Stroke.

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